MUSKEGON, MI – For Temeka Ware, the 14 months since her 18-year-old son, Kentae Jones, was killed have not been easy.

Kentae Jones, 18MLive File Photo

“It’s been lonely and depressing,” she said. "I’ve been afraid, confused and basically house-bound. I’m just trying to just keep living every day. I’m still in a state of shock.”

Jones was shot, apparently from behind, and was found outside a home in the 2400 block of Sixth Street around 5 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2013. He was taken to Mercy Health Partners' Hackley Campus, where he was pronounced dead.

Ware said she tried going to therapy in the months immediately following her son’s death, but that it didn’t seem to be helping very much. She has been trying to keep in contact with prosecutors and detectives, but the only things that will truly heal her wounds are time and justice.

“I was excited and felt peaceful,” she said. “The emotions are mixed, though. I’m happy they got someone, but sad at the same time because I’m happy for sad reasons. I’m glad they finally have a suspect; all I can keep doing is taking a deep breath and letting go. It’s a relief, but I hope they find him soon.”

Spears' whereabouts were unknown Monday night, but police and Ware are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Isiah Amoz SpearsMuskegon Heights Police Department

“We’re still looking for more information,” she said. “If anyone is out there that can help, reach out to the detectives in Muskegon Heights, don’t feel like you’re being a snitch. You’re not -- you’re being brave and that’s what we need.”

The Michigan Department of Corrections indicates Spears was discharged in Dec. 3, 2013 after being convicted of drug-related charges.

Ware said she is optimistic her son’s killer will be located soon and that she is eager to put the entire ordeal behind her. She added that once Spears is located, she plans to attend all of the court proceedings.

In the meantime, Ware continues to keep her son in her thoughts while making sure that Jones’ son, Keshawn, who will be 3 on April 15, never forgets his dad.

“We keep pictures up and let him watch videos,” Ware said. "We make sure to take him to the cemetery. He’s so young, but he knows who his daddy is. Whenever we look at the stars in the sky, we tell him his daddy is the bright one shining down on him.”